Co-op to be sentenced for butcher’s hand injury

THE Co-op is due to be sentenced next month after admitting breaching health and safety laws when a member of staff got his hand caught in a mincing machine at the society’s St Helier Grande Marché store.

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The case was heard in the Royal Court

A Health and Safety Inspectorate investigation was launched when butcher José Escorcio – known to friends and family as Valdo – suffered a major hand injury which required reconstructive surgery in the UK. The Co-op also launched its own internal investigation.

Chief executive Colin Macleod appeared before the Royal Court yesterday on behalf of the company to admit one health and safety infraction.

The incident, which took place earlier this year, occurred behind the butcher’s counter as customers shopped inside the store. Mr Escorcio was transferred to Salisbury Hospital and was visited by Mr Macleod, who said at the time he and his colleagues were ‘devastated’ by what had happened.

Speaking after yesterday’s court hearing, Mr Macleod said: ‘I am pleased that the investigation is now complete and that we are moving towards the conclusion of the legal process.

‘I can confirm that I have admitted the charge on behalf of the society, breaching Article 3 of Jersey’s Health and Safety law. It has been a difficult time for all involved, and our priority has been, and remains, Valdo and his family.’

The society is due to be sentenced on Friday 12 October. The Deputy Bailiff, Tim Le Cocq, was presiding.